NEW ZEALAND | Whistleblowing on the rise, growing number of complaints

Whistleblowing is on the rise with a growing number of people going to the Ombudsman to report serious wrongdoing in their workplace and seeking advice about making protected disclosures.

In 2022/2023 the Chief Ombudsman received 128 protected disclosures and enquiries, which was an 80% increase from the previous year (with 71 received in 2021/22).

So far in 2024, 2023/2024, the Ombudsman has received 203 protected disclosures and enquiries – a further 58% increase on the year before.

The last week of June marks World Whistleblower Day and Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says he is very heartened to know that people seem to feel more comfortable about reporting issues.

“This is a critical mechanism in ensuring that wrongdoing is exposed. I applaud all those people who have come forward and reported wrongdoing or potential wrongdoing in their work places,” he says.

“Unethical and unlawful behaviour in the workplace is never acceptable. The people who have the courage to speak out are crucial to making integrity and accountability stronger within their organisations.”

Mr Boshier says a number of common themes relating to serious wrongdoing are emerging in complaints to him including financial mismanagement, unsafe work practices, sexual harassment and a lack of organisational response to sexual harassment.

To read the full article and access the Ombudsman’s guide on making a protected disclosure kindly click here.

Source: Ombudsman, New Zealand